OPUS HUT TO RUBY LAKE

Today's hike, located off Ophir Pass, was a short but intoxicating ramble that lead the Moxies from Opus Hut (11,600") to the beautiful, pristine Ruby Lake at approximately 12,000'+.  The total mileage was about 3.5 miles round-trip including exploring around the lake. The trail is narrow, goes through talus and has "coming around the mountain" type ledges. The entire hike provided panoramic views, wildflowers and even a tour of the Opus Hut. The weather was beautiful although a bit windy.  A big Thank-you is due to our leader, Margaret and our drivers: Margaret and Michelle. Poor Michelle had two backseat drivers in her jeep who demanded she hug the yellow line driving along highway 550 into Silverton and wouldn't let her drive faster than 25 mph all day long. This was Michelle's first time driving up to Ophir Pass and she did a wonderful job. The ride down Ophir Road did get much smoother after she remembered to take her emergency brake off. (We love you Michelle!!) Another wonderful day in the mountains with a great group of friends.

(Click on Images below to open in Lightbox-hover bottom of photo for caption)

Columbine Lake Hike-Sept 3, 2014 Leader: Jane Marie & Penny

Columbine Lake (12,685') via Upper Ophir Pass Road:  7.25 miles, 2,212'

The mountains are calling, the moxies must go!!!! Set your radios on channel 4.1 

Calling all Moxies: We enjoyed perfect weather and another GREAT hike up to Columbine lake. It was a beautiful day. The mountainside ground cover is starting to show signs of fall. We did lose a couple people on the narrow scary ridge to the saddle. The only remaining evidence was their hiking sticks.

Do you know who these sticks belonged to?

We experienced a treacherous snow field and we were sad that we didn't have our ice axes, ropes and crampons. But, being Moxies, we proceeded anyway.

Our friends really enjoyed the snowfield.

Nice shot of Penny. She was a great leader. Mary, Barbara and Linda follow close behind. Glenda is in the rear trying not to slide down the snow bank.

Jane Marie encourages Glenda and says "today you are going to mark this trail off your list".

Fall is starting to show its colors.

Hillsides turning yellow and orange.

In true Moxie manner, we hiked up the hillside on the animal trails verses taking the standard trail.

Mary, Barbara, Jane Marie, Bella and Linda at our first snack stop. You can see the saddle we're heading to on our route to Columbine lake in the distance.

Mary taking in the views and getting some shots.

Jane Marie our other great leader heading up the trail to the ridge.

Looking up above the rocky trail to the saddle.

Moxies heading up to the saddle.

Linda and Glenda see the hiking sticks of the missing moxies. They know this is a scary narrow ridge and that they have to be extremely careful. Glenda remarks "one wrong step and we fall all the way to the bottom".

Rugged Beauty

Jane Marie and Bella take in the views.

Columbine Lake is just over the next ridge.

The trail was rocky.

Barbara heading up the rocky trail.

The group decided to let the virgin Columbine Lake hikers, Mary, Linda, Glenda and Barbara lead the way to the overlook of the lake.

Columbine is a beautiful turquoise blue lake.

A walk to remember. (Mary Anne)

We climbed higher to over look an unnamed lake.

The viewpoint from the overlook was incredible.

Heading back to the cars we stop and all ask "Are we almost there yet"?

Thanks again to our fearless drivers and to all for another great day of hiking. We hope the rest of you can join us soon.